Calling all Neti Pot Users- Help!

[Nantucket]

Hi Everyone-

First of all, I don't use it everyday- only when I feel sinus issues or during hayfever season.  Is this one of the issues?  I'm not giving myself time to get used to the sensation?  The first few times I do it are so awful that i dread having to use it!  Am I the only weird one with this problem?  Anyone else have this issue and what do you do to help it?   

I've read alot of the previous posts regarding neti pot... and have tried to incorporate  a lot of the tips but it is still so awful!  I just can't get used to the sensation...  is my saline solution still off?  i've been using sea salt, is this a bad thing?  

what is it supposed to feel like when the solution, head angle, water temp are all spot on?   

Thx,

Nantucket

[Lisoula]

I believe the solution needs to be buffered to avoid stinging.  How you do that with a homemade solution I don't know...I buy the packets that you just mix with water.

When you get everything right, you really shouldn't feel anything.  Just maybe a little warmth in your nose.

[oaksie68]

Originally Posted by Lisoula 

I believe the solution needs to be buffered to avoid stinging.  How you do that with a homemade solution I don't know...I buy the packets that you just mix with water.

When you get everything right, you really shouldn't feel anything.  Just maybe a little warmth in your nose.

Yup. This is my opinion too.  I think that if you have allergies and/or sinus issues, using it daily, and multiple times a day when really having issues/symptoms, is the way to go.  I use mine 2 times/day, more if I have a cold.

Keep trying, maybe use the packets.  That's what I use. I have had a lot of success keeping sinus issues at bay when using my neti pot with regularity!

GL!

[Nantucket]

Great, thanks for the tips.  Okay, another question.  Let's just say that everything is right.  If I pour through one nostril and out through other.  the nostril that the water came out of gets stuffed up so that I can only do one side.  Either I have to wait a little 10-15 minutes to do the other nostril or just do it the next time I do the neti.  Why is this happening and is it normal?  Am I doing something wrong?  

Thx,

[kristandthekids]

To me it feels like a bloody nose.

I would blow out what you can and then clear that side again. If it's getting stuffed up then there's still gunk in there.

[sunnysandiegan]

I found my angle was still a bit off. I asked my DH to watch the video with me and then watch me. He was able to gently correct my method and then all was golden. It was subtle, but magical.

[eireann]

Definitely the angle! Also, here's what has worked for me -having the water be warmer than room temp, let the sea salt sit & dissolve for a few minutes, and try to pour slowly. When I do it too fast, I feel like my head is going to explode out the back.  It's NOT pleasant!

When one side is plugged up and its not helping, I try the other first and keep going back to the side til it clears. It takes some practice but is worth it.

Also, my Eustachian tubes are a little gorked and I have a deviated septum. Any water can really cause issues if it goes into the wrong area, but perfecting the neti has really helped.

GL!

[sophiesgrandma]

I agree-don't use table salt-use the packets specially made for the neti. If the water does'nt come out it does'nt neccessarily mean there is more "gunk". It could mean that you are very congested-that your nasal passage and sinus tissue is all swollen. In that case don't use the neti or some water could get stuck in there and cause more problems. If the water is'nt flowing, the neti pot will do nothing.

[MoonWillow]

When I am sick, and there is inflammation in my sinuses, neti (or store bought saline spray) BURNS ouch!  I actually don't use my neti pot anymore because I always had drainage problems. I never got enough of the moisture back out of my sinuses and that would in turn cause me more problems.